With Christmas inevitably rolling around, the streets of Manchester and beyond are getting right into the spirit. From epic Christmas markets to window displays and festive pop-ups, we’re well and truly in the zone for the foreseeable.
So, what better activity than to grab a hot chocolate, don your best bobble hat, and gaze in awe at some gorgeous Christmas lights? Whether you’re in town for a bit of Christmas shopping, on your daily commute or fancy a day out into the surrounding towns and villages, we’ve got a glowing guide of where to go in and around Manchester this season to see some of the most festive Christmas lights.
Across Manchester city centre
If you’ve had a walk around town, you’ll have noticed that Christmas is very much here. Through the swarms of bobble hat-clad people, you can just about see the Christmas Markets all set up and trading, with Manchester’s city centre Christmas lights starting to sparkle from above.
Although there’s no official switch-on ceremony this year, you can bet the likes of Deansgate, Market Street and St Peter’s Square are already decked out in twinkling bulbs and displays, with more to come throughout the season. Whether you make the journey specially or just catch a glimpse on your commute, the city centre Christmas lights are set to brighten up the darkest of days this winter – and all for free.
For a Christmas lights experience with a spooky twist, step into Halloween Town as you explore a moonlit trail of dazzling lights and iconic characters. Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail has transformed Arley Hall & Gardens into a 1.2-mile, multi-sensory walkthrough featuring over 1,700 light installations, 3D sculptures and scenes from the film.
Displayed in the UK for the very first time, the bewitching experience is now open until the New Year, and is suitable for all ages.
Stockport Underbanks Christmas lights
Having been named the best place to live in the region multiple times, it’s no surprise that Stockport has it’s very own quaint Christmas light cluster and light switch-on. The switch-on event on Saturday 28th November will include a brass band from 5.30pm, late night shopping, dancing, mince pies, and all the family-friendly fun you could ask for.
The light switch-on commences at 6pm, covering the historical Underbank area, with local businesses along the street all joining in on the fun. The lights will then be up for the season to enjoy through to the New Year.
Beech Road Chorlton lantern parade and Christmas lights
Another Manchester suburb getting festive this season is Chorlton, with its tight-knit Beech Road putting on its own lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on. Pop along on Thursday 26 November for an evening of festive magic as Father Christmas leads the parade from the Park to the Green from 5:30pm-7pm.
The parade will be accompanied by a brass band and carols, culminating in a celebration of the incredible community, with plenty of mulled wine, and festive treats from local traders as a thank you for shopping local this year.
As in previous years, the team at We Are Adventurers will be helping school children across Chorlton to make lanterns ahead of the big day. After this, drop into the village to take in the festive lights, and perhaps check out the wonderfully decked out Horse and Jockey pub whilst you’re there.
Chester Zoo Christmas Lanterns & Light
Chester Zoo’s winter light trail returns with a redesigned route and a new line-up of life-sized animal puppets, adding parrots, dolphins, and a giant polar bear to the illuminated walk. The updated path introduces a suspended jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glowing pea-lit canopy, and a floating feathers installation.
Familiar fixtures make a comeback, including the Cathedral of Light, the Fire Garden, and the snowy Father Christmas stop. You can toast marshmallows at the fire pits, pick up festive food and hot drinks, or check out the funfair at the entrance. For the first time, the zoo also hosts two adults-only nights for a child-free run of the trail.
For a Christmas-lights trail with plenty to explore, RHS Glow returns to RHS Garden Bridgewater with an illuminated winter route featuring 40 new light installations, interactive displays and festive food and drink on selected dates from 26 November to 30 December.
The path winds through the woodlands, featuring interactive light and sound panels that respond to movement. A five-metre sunrise-to-sunset installation sits alongside animated, nature-inspired characters created by artist Rob Hodgson in Middle Wood.
Further along the trail, a fire-breathing Chinese dragon designed by Walk the Plank emerges from Ellesmere Lake. Illuminated lotus flowers pulse with flames to a choreographed display of light and music, and the route now takes in the newly opened Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden.
Chatsworth House
Step into a festive storybook as Chatsworth House transforms its grand interiors around a seasonal theme alongside an outdoor garden light trail. Wander through rooms decked out with glittering trees, ambient lighting, and rich decorations before heading out to explore the bustling Christmas market on Lodge Hill, packed with artisan food, drink, and gift stalls.
Visit between 7 November and 13 December (inclusive) – your tickets include the Christmas market.
Visit between 14 December and 3 January (inclusive) – your tickets do not include the Christmas market (market closes 13 December).
